(BPT) - New technology and digital media like Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest and Twitter are changing the way people communicate both at home and in the workplace. They’re also contributing to a generation gap. For example, users under age 30 are significantly more likely to use social-networking sites when compared to other adult age groups, according to research from the Pew Internet Project. 

“For older adults, this means there’s a great opportunity to learn more about using new digital technology and social media to advance their careers, change careers or simply stay connected with people and information that’s important to them,” says Don French, owner of graphic design firm French & Associates and program director of graphic design at Brooks Institute, a leading provider of higher education for film, graphic design, visual journalism and photography. “It’s important to continue seeking knowledge about the latest trends, tools and technology, and there are easy ways to get started without feeling overwhelmed with all the changes.”

To take advantage of career opportunities, for example, French notes that graphic design professionals must learn and stay ahead of trends in multimedia – which is the art of integrating multiple forms of communication, including images, text, audio, interactive content, animation and video.